This World Homeless Day, Monday 10 October, Emmaus Hull & East Riding is hosting an inspiring and informative event to raise awareness of the realities of homelessness. During the event, Emmaus will also unveil their new Outreach Van.
The organisation’s ‘A Box is not a Home’ event aims to highlight how the public can support people sleeping rough, with spotlight speakers, information on local support services, live music, and food stalls from 10am till 2pm at The Crown Building, 100 Quay Road, Bridlington, YO16 4JB.
Emmaus Hull & East Riding supports formerly homeless people by providing them a home for as long as needed, meaningful work in their social enterprises, and a chance to get back on their feet.
At the event, the organisation will be showcasing their new Outreach Van, a custom space that will allow Emmaus to support even more people who are sleeping rough. This has been made possible by Brandfixx, who donated the van’s eye-catching wrapping and KCOM who provided the van for Emmaus to use.
Kelly, Director of Emmaus Hull & East Riding, said: “We are exceptionally grateful for the continued support we receive from KCOM, from the team’s genuine interest in our work, their endless energy and support of innovation, and sharing their unused resources with us. Most of all, we’re grateful for their passion to support grassroots charities in the community. Our outreach welfare van is going to transform how we work with those sleeping rough in the East Riding.”
Emmaus delivers an outreach service in East Riding that refers and signposts people on the streets to local support services. The van will allow the team to offer warm drinks, food, blankets and essential clothing on the go, and will travel with the Outreach team across the East Riding, from Goole to Bridlington and Market Weighton to Hessle.
Louise Babych, KCOM Community Lead, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Emmaus again by donating this van, which has been transformed to support their outreach work in the community. Emmaus do a fantastic job helping vulnerable people to get back on their feet and as a business that’s at the heart of the communities we serve, we’re proud to partner with a charity that makes such a difference to the region and those that need a helping hand.”
Emmaus Hull & East Riding’s work is led by community need and last year their outreach service supported over 800 people. New government statistics show that rates of homelessness increased by around 11% in just three months, a figure that is expected to rise due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
To find out more about Emmaus’ outreach work, follow the charity on Facebook: facebook.com/Emmaushull